The word "tiswas" is a unique spelling of the slang term "this was," which was popularized in the UK during the 1970s. The IPA phonetic transcription of "tiswas" would be /ˈtɪzwəz/. The letter "s" at the end of the word indicates that it is plural, as "tiswas" would refer to multiple instances of "this was." While the spelling may seem odd, it is a reflection of the informal nature of slang and how it can evolve quickly in speech and language.
Tiswas is a word that originated as an acronym for the phrase "Today Is Saturday, Watch And Smile." It refers to a British children's television show that aired from 1974 to 1982. The show featured a mix of live sketches, music performances, celebrity interviews, and various anarchic and comedic segments.
Tiswas was known for its outrageous and unpredictable nature, often involving custard pies, buckets of water, and other forms of slapstick comedy. The show had a reputation for allowing chaos to ensue on set, with presenters and guests often getting messy and involved in silly antics. It pushed the boundaries of traditional children's TV, embracing an energetic and rebellious spirit that appealed to both children and adults alike.
The impact of Tiswas stretched beyond the television screen, as it created a cultural phenomenon that influenced subsequent programming. The show helped launch the careers of some of Britain's most famous entertainers, including Chris Tarrant, Lenny Henry, and Bob Carolgees.
In broader usage, "tiswas" has come to represent a state of unruly excitement, commotion, or disorder. It can describe a lively and uncontrollable situation where chaos reigns. This colloquial sense of the word is often used to capture the atmosphere of a lively party, a boisterous crowd, or any situation where things seem a bit out of control but still enjoyable.
The word "Tiswas" is a colloquial abbreviation for "Today is Saturday Watch And Smile". It was the title of a British children's television show called "Tiswas" that aired from 1974 to 1982. The etymology of the word comes from the initials of the show's title.